RIP Junior 'Soul' Murvin'Junior Murvin (born Murvin Junior Smith, circa 1949 – 2 December 2013) was a Jamaican reggae musician. He is best known for the single "Police and Thieves", produced by Lee "Scratch" Perry in 1976. He was born in Saint James Parish, Jamaica, in 1949, moving to Port Antonio after his father's death. He began singing as a child, influenced particularly by Curtis Mayfield, and began performing in public after his family moved to Montego Bay. He studied mechanics at the Montego Bay Technical High School, and then moved to Trenchtown in Kingston, where he lived with his aunt and auditioned unsuccessfully for Lee Perry and Coxsone Dodd. He first recorded under the name Junior Soul for Sonia Pottinger's Gayfeet label, and then began recording regularly for the Crystal label owned by Derrick Harriott, where he had a minor hit with "Solomon" in 1972. He also performed as a member of the Hippy Boys, and later the Mighty Falcons and the Tornadoes, in Kingston's nightclubs and tourist hotels.In 1976, he auditioned again for Perry with his own song, "Police and Thieves". This time Perry agreed to record him, and the single was released to international commercial success in Jamaica, Britain and elsewhere. Though written in the context of Jamaica's turf wars and police violence, it became closely associated with the rioting at London's Notting Hill Carnival that year. Murvin and Perry co-wrote more songs together and completed an album for Island Records, Police and Thieves, released in 1977 and regarded as one of Perry's best productions. The title song was heard by British punk rock band The Clash, whose version appeared on their debut album released in April 1977. Murvin continued to record singles with Perry, including several versions of Curtis Mayfield songs, and also made recordings with producers Joe Gibbs and Alvin Ranglin. In 1980, Murvin's "Police and Thieves" finally reached the UK singles chart, peaking at no.23 after being used in the film Rockers.Murvin continued to record through the 1980s, but his singles had less success. However, he sang with one of Jamaica's top bands, Jah Postles, and toured widely in Europe. He recorded with various producers and musicians, including Joe Gibbs, Errol Thompson, Mikey Dread with whom he recorded the 1982 album Bad Man Posse, Henry "Junjo" Lawes, Prince Jammy, and King Tubby. His other local hits included "Miss Kushie", "Cool out Son", "I'm In Love", "Bad Man Posse", and "Muggers in the Street". He released his last album, Signs and Wonders, in 1989, but continued to record and release singles locally in Jamaica, some of them on his small Murvin label in Port Antonio. His last released recording was a single entitled "Wise Man", released on the London-based Dubwise record label in 1998.' - wikipedia

'Reggae singer Junior Murvin, best known for the 1976 hit song Police and Thieves, has died in Jamaica aged 67. His son, Keith Smith, said Murvin died in hospital in Port Antonio on Monday. The cause of his death has not been established although the singer was being treated for diabetes and high blood pressure. Police and Thieves, produced by the celebrated Lee "Scratch" Perry, became a 1970s anthem and was later covered by The Clash. Junior Murvin - born Murvin Junior Smith - began his career as a hotel entertainer in Jamaica, eventually becoming a recording artist in the capital, Kingston, the Jamaica Observer reported. Police and Thieves was a hit in Jamaica and also took off in the UK where it found an audience with punk rock aficionados. The song became closely associated with the Notting Hill Carnival in London which ended in rioting the year it was released. Murvin continued to record through the 1980s although his later singles had less success.' - BBC

It was a great honour to have Jimmy London live in the studio for a relaxed chat, enjoy some old records and even sing a few of his favourites. Jimmy told us "It's not an interview, it's a party!" He was right as I'm sure you'll hear. Thanks to the live listeners and especially to Jimmy, Mr Swingeasy and Terence Lo! A good time was had by all. I hope you enjoy the recording!

Join me live for Mister Soundtapes presents Cornel Campbell! This will be another special history show featuring The Gorgon in interview! Monday 10th February 7-10pm at [url="http://www.purple-radio.co.uk/"]www.purple-radio.co.uk[/url]

Listen to my A Scorcha from Stephen T Reggae show on Wednesdays 6.00-8.00 on www.purple-radio.co.uk and for rare soul check Sunday Soul Soup 12-2pm

Massive thanks are due to Cornel Campbell for 45 years of amazing music so far, to Robin from the Soothsayers who enabled the interview to take place and to Terence for his assistance in the interview and for taking pictures but especially for getting the beers in!

Cornel Campbell Meets Soothsayers looking very cool indeed!

Catch them at a venue near you- they have an excellent live show

I met Cornel as he prepared for this show

Wicked 2013 album

Excellent album from 2012

Birmingham flyer

One of the highlights of my life so far!

Listen to my A Scorcha from Stephen T Reggae show on Wednesdays 6.00-8.00 on www.purple-radio.co.uk and for rare soul check Sunday Soul Soup 12-2pm

Mister Soundtapes presents Peter Lowe ~ 1985 Special recorded 28th January and broadcast 11th February 2014

In 1985 Peter Irie was a MC with King Tubby's Sound System in South London. 30 years later Peter is making a film set in South London in 1985 and will include sound system culture as an integral part of the film. We talk about his intentions with the film, his time as a sound system MC and 1985 sound systems and music in general.

Smith's son Tidel Smith, told OBSERVER ONLINE that his father died Monday at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH). He was 48 years old.

He said Smith was admitted to the KPH Friday after complaining of stomach pains. His health improved on Sunday but yesterday it had deteriorated and he died shortly after noon.

An autopsy will be done to determine the cause of death.

Originally from Waterhouse, Smith started his career in 1980 with producer Lloyd 'King Jammys' James who produced ‘Under mi Sleng Teng’ four years later.

‘Under mi Sleng Teng’ was orchestrated by Smith and musician Noel Davey on an inexpensive Casio keyboard. It was first played at dances on James' sound system and got such strong response that James released the song in late 1984.

The 'riddim' of the same name produced numerous hit songs including ‘Pumpkin Belly’ by singer Tenor Saw.

‘Under mi Sleng Teng’ was a trailblazer, triggering dancehall's digital age. It was Smith's biggest hit, though he enjoyed more chart success with songs like ‘Ain't no Meaning in Saying Goodbye’ and ‘Come Along’.

Smith, who operated the Sleng Teng label, is survived by his mother, May Coley, five children, three grandchildren, and five brothers and sisters.'

Soundtapes & Swingeasy raving at the revival clash in Harlesden, December 2013

'Reggae legend and Third World singer William 'Bunny Rugs' Clarke dies in intensive careFeb 04, 2014 17:31 By Ian Hughes

The Jamaican vocalist was three days short of his 66th birthday - it is believed he had been suffering from cancer when he passed away in Orlando, Florida

Reggae legend William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke, the lead singer with Third World, has died three days short of his 66th birthday.

Clarke, who spent 38 years with the iconic band , passed away in Orlando, Florida.

It is believed the Jamaican vocalist, who was a pioneer of reggae music, was suffering from cancer.

He was being treated in intensive care at the time of his death on Monday.

Clarke’s ailing health meant he missed some of last year’s Third World 40th anniversary tour concerts.'(mirror.co.uk)

William 'Bunny Rugs' Clarke

John Wayne

'Reggae artiste John Wayne is dead

Reggae artiste John Wayne has died. According to media reports, the singer died of a kidney failure at the Kingston Public Hospital on the morning of January 30, 2014.

John Wayne gained popularity for his 1985 hit Call The Police produced by Lloyd 'King Jammie' James on the Sleng Teng rhythm.

His death came just days before the start of reggae month, which will see Jamaicans celebrating the genre and all the artistes who have contributed to its development over the years.'(jamaica-star.com)